Battery Harvesting Circuit for Mixed-Chemistry Voltage Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery harvesting devices are limited to recovering energy from a single source voltage or battery type, restricting their use and ability to recharge batteries of different types.
Innovation Solution
A method involving connecting standardized batteries in parallel, sensing and comparing voltages, modulating the output with a PWM signal, and using a flyback DC-DC boost to maintain a nominal voltage, allowing the system to harvest power from multiple battery types and recharge them efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single source voltage or battery type is used in battery harvesting devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility of the device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery harvesting device is designed to accept multiple standardized battery types (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) and perform the same harvesting function for each, making the device universal rather than specialized for a single battery type
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on the detected battery type and voltage level, allowing the same hardware to operate efficiently across different battery chemistries and voltage ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standardized batteries are connected in parallel with voltage sensing and comparison, then the adaptability to handle various battery types is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is divided into separate bay groups (first bay with AA/AAA receptacles, second bay with C/D receptacles, third bay with 9V receptacle), allowing independent management and sensing of each segment while maintaining overall system coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery voltages, compares them against target voltages, and adjusts PWM duty cycles accordingly to optimize charging current distribution and maintain voltage balance across all batteries
Solution Approach 3:
The system dynamically determines optimal target voltages and PWM duty cycles based on real-time battery state assessments, allowing adaptive control that responds to changing battery conditions rather than using fixed parameters
3Stability of the object's composition
If voltage sensing and PWM modulation are used to maintain nominal voltage output, then the power output stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own output voltage as a reference for sensing and comparison, allowing it to self-regulate and maintain stability without requiring external precision voltage references or calibration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the recovery and recharge of power from various battery types at a nominal voltage, expanding the system's usability and efficiency in powering devices.
Implementation Method 1
inputting the modulated output into a flyback DC-DC boost
Implementation Method 2
modulating the output with a PWM signal, the PWM signal having a duty cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A battery harvesting device and methods are disclosed for powering a load with a plurality of standardised batteries of different battery chemistries, each of the standardised batteries having a battery output voltage lower than a nominal voltage. The harvester comprises a power bus for attachment to the load, at least one receptacle arranged into each of a plurality of clusters, each receptacle configured for receiving one of the standardised batteries, each cluster further comprising electronics comprising an input connected to the receptacle and an output connected to the power bus, and a DC-DC boost circuitry for raising a battery output voltage of a connected one of the standardised batteries, and a processor for controlling the electronics such that each of the outputs connected the power bus is maintained at the nominal voltage.